Definitely not any of the ‘classics’ – which got a bad rap during school years because I was forced to read those and it had the effect of making me stubborn AGAINST the recommendation of reading the so-called classics. Being forced to read them wouldn’t have been so bad if at least once in a while they’d given us a chance to pick something ourselves. (yes, I still have issues. LOLOL!!!!) Plus I can’t think of an example of a ‘classic’ novel where I thought it was anywhere as good as my authority figures touted it to be.
But to answer the question, I’ve always leaned toward what I call buddy stories–stories of friendship and sacrifice. And Zane Grey’s “Forlorn River” which I’ve probably read 4-5 times over my life time, is one of those. For those same reasons, there are a few titles of Star Trek the original series novels that were written in the 70’s and 80’s that I have read numerous times because in that franchise, the friendship of Kirk, Spock & McCoy has been a source of great story fodder.
I am going out on a limb here and assuming you mean re-read on purpose, and not because you get about 2/3 of the way through a book and realize you’ve read it before, like Nightzone by Steven F. Havill.
On purpose would be any of the JD Robb In Death books because they’re a perfect escape. I don’t need lessons; I just want to get to another world with people I’ve come to care about.
The Shadow of The Wind, by Carlos Ruis Zafon, which was the first book in The Cemetery of Forgotten Books Series. This book, this author, taught me more about mood and setting than anyone else I’ve ever read.
I like this question. I’ve reread Eric Ambler’s “A Coffin for Dimitrios” for pace and perfect subplot. I’ve reread Thomas Perry’s “The Old Man” for excellent pacing and unexpected reveals. A new favorite reread is Stella Sand’s “The Word Hunter.” It has a most unusual protagonist and an unlikely ‘helper’ in this debut novel.
As much effort that this takes, I am still in awe of the masters, even in rereading them.
The most times would be “Slaughterhouse Five.” I love it, It gets read maybe every other year. James Bond “Casino Royale” I have read a few times. Flemming has not aged well, but it is a good escape.
I bought a house in August. Some books have been shelved. Some are still in boxes. Five new bookshelves are in the new place. I realized last night that me newer copy of “Life on the Plains” by George A. Custer wasn’t with the other Indian books, so I need to go hunting. It should of been with my great, great, grandfather’s copy. His is a second printing. At over 150 years old, it doesn’t get read.
Joshua by Joseph Girzone
I re-read books often. Especially when I was younger. I re-read Little Women, Gone With the Wind, and A Wrinkle in Time several times. If a book really touches my heart in some way, I I’ll read it again, kind of like certain foods that are “comfort foods.” You eat them for more than just because you’re hungry. These books are my escape when I’m stressed.
I recently re-read Faithful Place by Tana French. I re-read it for a couple of reasons: First, it was my pick for our book club and I wanted to be sure I had remembered all the details correctly. Second, and more importantly, I’m an admirer of Tana French’s writing, and I wanted to review the way she structured the story.
“The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom.
Filled with timeless truths, good guys & bad guys, spies, narrow escapes, and history.
All my favorite stuff.
Thank you, JSB…
I’ve re-read many historical romance novels by Mary Connealy and Karen Witemeyer. I like them because both authors are fantastic. The books are clean, funny, have just enough suspense, and are a great escape.
The Travis McGee series. What can I say? MacDonald had such a way with words and adventure!
The In Death series by J.D. Robb because the regular characters learn from each other, grow, and change their lives. I’ve followed this series from book one to book 63 (preordered) and feel like I could sit down and talk with them any day.
Hawke’s Harbor by S.E. Hinton. The first time I read it, I had to make myself stop crying before I could finish the final chapter.
Other series that grab me because I want to study how they’re put together, how the author handles pacing, character development, or some other aspect of writing they handle with exceptional skill.
The Count of Monte Cristo. I read it once a year. I love the story from suffering over a decade in the Chateau de if and then the human condition for providence which he truly believed God put him on the path. And then finally getting peace and love at the end.
The Big Sleep. Chandler taught me to love metaphor & simile & to wish I could write as well as he did.
Definitely not any of the ‘classics’ – which got a bad rap during school years because I was forced to read those and it had the effect of making me stubborn AGAINST the recommendation of reading the so-called classics. Being forced to read them wouldn’t have been so bad if at least once in a while they’d given us a chance to pick something ourselves. (yes, I still have issues. LOLOL!!!!) Plus I can’t think of an example of a ‘classic’ novel where I thought it was anywhere as good as my authority figures touted it to be.
But to answer the question, I’ve always leaned toward what I call buddy stories–stories of friendship and sacrifice. And Zane Grey’s “Forlorn River” which I’ve probably read 4-5 times over my life time, is one of those. For those same reasons, there are a few titles of Star Trek the original series novels that were written in the 70’s and 80’s that I have read numerous times because in that franchise, the friendship of Kirk, Spock & McCoy has been a source of great story fodder.
I am going out on a limb here and assuming you mean re-read on purpose, and not because you get about 2/3 of the way through a book and realize you’ve read it before, like Nightzone by Steven F. Havill.
On purpose would be any of the JD Robb In Death books because they’re a perfect escape. I don’t need lessons; I just want to get to another world with people I’ve come to care about.
The Shadow of The Wind, by Carlos Ruis Zafon, which was the first book in The Cemetery of Forgotten Books Series. This book, this author, taught me more about mood and setting than anyone else I’ve ever read.
I like this question. I’ve reread Eric Ambler’s “A Coffin for Dimitrios” for pace and perfect subplot. I’ve reread Thomas Perry’s “The Old Man” for excellent pacing and unexpected reveals. A new favorite reread is Stella Sand’s “The Word Hunter.” It has a most unusual protagonist and an unlikely ‘helper’ in this debut novel.
As much effort that this takes, I am still in awe of the masters, even in rereading them.
The most times would be “Slaughterhouse Five.” I love it, It gets read maybe every other year. James Bond “Casino Royale” I have read a few times. Flemming has not aged well, but it is a good escape.
I bought a house in August. Some books have been shelved. Some are still in boxes. Five new bookshelves are in the new place. I realized last night that me newer copy of “Life on the Plains” by George A. Custer wasn’t with the other Indian books, so I need to go hunting. It should of been with my great, great, grandfather’s copy. His is a second printing. At over 150 years old, it doesn’t get read.
Joshua by Joseph Girzone
I re-read books often. Especially when I was younger. I re-read Little Women, Gone With the Wind, and A Wrinkle in Time several times. If a book really touches my heart in some way, I I’ll read it again, kind of like certain foods that are “comfort foods.” You eat them for more than just because you’re hungry. These books are my escape when I’m stressed.
I recently re-read Faithful Place by Tana French. I re-read it for a couple of reasons: First, it was my pick for our book club and I wanted to be sure I had remembered all the details correctly. Second, and more importantly, I’m an admirer of Tana French’s writing, and I wanted to review the way she structured the story.
“The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom.
Filled with timeless truths, good guys & bad guys, spies, narrow escapes, and history.
All my favorite stuff.
Thank you, JSB…
I’ve re-read many historical romance novels by Mary Connealy and Karen Witemeyer. I like them because both authors are fantastic. The books are clean, funny, have just enough suspense, and are a great escape.
The Travis McGee series. What can I say? MacDonald had such a way with words and adventure!
The In Death series by J.D. Robb because the regular characters learn from each other, grow, and change their lives. I’ve followed this series from book one to book 63 (preordered) and feel like I could sit down and talk with them any day.
Hawke’s Harbor by S.E. Hinton. The first time I read it, I had to make myself stop crying before I could finish the final chapter.
Other series that grab me because I want to study how they’re put together, how the author handles pacing, character development, or some other aspect of writing they handle with exceptional skill.
The Count of Monte Cristo. I read it once a year. I love the story from suffering over a decade in the Chateau de if and then the human condition for providence which he truly believed God put him on the path. And then finally getting peace and love at the end.
The Big Sleep. Chandler taught me to love metaphor & simile & to wish I could write as well as he did.